Olivia Eidt lets loose against the Patriots during a game to decide who would represent Laguna in a regional tournament. Photo by Cindy Airey.

After finishing third in the AYSO girls under 12 season, Laguna Beach’s Lightning, was named tournament champion, beating team Viola Ferrari in a shut out of 4-0 last month.

“After six years of coaching, it’s sweet to finally garner the hardware,” said coach Sam Eidt of Aliso Viejo.

After a goal by Katie Rollins and a three-goal hat trick by Kiyara Tehrani, Lightning relied on defensive work to preserve the shut out and win the tournament based on the AYSO point system. Team Lightning was awarded gold medals for their efforts.

Since the first place Lightning and second place Patriots tied in the tournament, a playoff was played last Monday at Top of the World to determine who would represent Laguna Beach in the Tournament of Champions in San Juan Capistrano in December. After Olivia Eidt evened the score at 1-1, the Patriot’s Natalie Bush broke the tie on a penalty kick in the final minutes of the game.